Bar Startup Cost Comparison
Raleigh, NC vs Chicago, IL
Raleigh, NC
$86,000 - $353,000
COL Index: 100.8
VS
Chicago, IL
$100,000 - $409,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Raleigh, NC | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Liquor License
|
$2,000 - $15,000 | $5,600 - $15,000 | -17% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$11,000 - $63,900 | $17,600 - $102,700 | -38% |
|
Bar Equipment & Fixtures
|
$15,000 - $60,000 | $15,000 - $60,000 | Same |
|
Initial Liquor & Beverage Inventory
|
$8,000 - $25,000 | $8,000 - $25,000 | Same |
|
Interior Build-Out & Renovation
|
$25,500 - $102,000 | $28,800 - $115,000 | -11% |
|
Sound System & Security
|
$5,000 - $25,000 | $5,000 - $25,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$4,000 - $12,000 | $4,000 - $12,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$15,100 - $50,400 | $16,200 - $53,900 | -7% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $86,000 - $353,000 | $100,000 - $409,000 | -14% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Raleigh | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 100.8 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $40 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.02 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 7.25% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $125 | $150 |
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